Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14405 · Turbomeca Astazou XIV B and XIV H Turboshaft Engines
Turbomeca Astazou XIV B and XIV H Turboshaft Engines
This AD applies to Turbomeca Astazou XIV B and XIV H turboshaft engines that have operated with air intake noise suppressors. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, single-engine Aerospatiale AS319B “Alouette III” and AS342J “Gazelle” helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca Astazou XIV B and XIV H turboshaft engines that have operated with air intake noise suppressors. This AD requires ensuring proper installation of air intake noise suppressors, and ultrasonically inspecting 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades operated in engines with improperly installed intake noise suppressors. This AD results from several reports of failure of 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades, leading to in-flight engine shutdown and autorotation landing.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done.
Before further flight, ensure proper installation of air intake noise suppressors.
(g) You can find information on doing this in aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) section 71-30-41 for Aerospatiale AS319B helicopters, and in AMM section 71-61-401 for Aerospatiale AS342J helicopters.
For engines that operated with improperly installed air intake noise suppressors:
(1) Perform an ultrasonic inspection of 2nd stage axial compressor wheel blades, within 50 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and replace blades that fail inspection.
(2) Use 2.B.(1) through 2.B.(2)(b) of Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin No. A283 72 0800, dated February 5, 2004, to do the inspection.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Engines
